Renewable Energy Tax Proposal

[Guest Christine Real de Azua]

As the Senate prepared to vote today on a bipartisan proposal to extend expiring tax credits for renewable energy production, Gregory Wetstone, Senior Director of Governmental & Public Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), issued the following statement:

 

“On behalf of America’s wind energy industry and the millions of Americans who favor clean, domestic wind power, I applaud this critically important effort to move forward on renewable energy tax incentives before Congress leaves town at the end of the month. We are grateful to Senate leaders from both parties who put aside their differences to come together around this bipartisan package. Clean energy tax incentives are a vital part of the solution to our nation’s economic, energy security, and environmental challenges. With more than 100,000 jobs and billions of dollars in clean energy investment at risk, we urge all members of the Senate to vote yes on the Baucus-Grassley Amendment to H.R. 6049 and on final passage of this important legislation. We hope the Senate’s approval of this measure today will add to the momentum for swift action in the House of Representatives.”

[Guest Christine Real de Azua]

COALITION OF NEARLY 700 COMPANIES,

ORGANIZATIONS URGES CONGRESS TO ACT ON TAX

CREDITS BEFORE LEAVING FOR ELECTION

 

A broad coalition of nearly 700 businesses, environmental organizations, public health advocates, electric utilities, agricultural organizations, investors, labor groups, non-governmental organizations, states, and trade associations today urged the House and Senate to put aside their differences and pass legislation that would renew tax credits for renewable energy, research and development and other purposes.

 

In a letter to bipartisan Congressional leadership, companies and organizations from across the political spectrum urged that when the House and Senate consider the financial rescue package, which the House rejected on Monday, they “secure a final House – Senate agreement” on the tax extenders legislation.

 

The companies warned that failure to pass the legislation this week would jeopardize “hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in clean energy investment, crucial incentives for research and development, and a range of popular programs.”

 

The tax extender legislation is now part of the financial rescue plan that will be voted on by the Senate Wednesday and, if it passes, will be forwarded to the House for approval.

 

“We need immediate action. If Congress fails to complete this effort, it will be a serious blow to the future of renewable energy in America.” said Gregory Wetstone, Senior Director for Legislative and Public Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association.